NEWS FROM THE HEALTH CITY

1. Nigerians react to swarm of fake products in the country, NAFDAC responds

A few weeks ago, a group of Nigerians on social media began posting about the possibility of purchasing fake packaged food items as a result of similar packaging with the original products. This led to hundreds of people sharing pictures of their different food items and asking online parties to check how original they are. As you may guess, nearly all the products were fake. Drinks and beauty care products were not spared. They however noticed most of these products had been issued registration codes by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC. 

The director general of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, has since released a statement debunking claims of incompetence of the agency. The statement also urged the public to contact the agency for further information on any product validity which may not appear of the official website due to possible backlog of approvals yet to be uploaded.“

1. WHO reports over 5 million cases of Dengue fever worldwide, deaths up to 5000
2. WHO Officially Recognizes 'NOMA' As A Neglected Tropical Disease

In a pivotal move towards addressing one of the world’s most under-recognized health challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) on the 15th of December, 2023 announced the inclusion of noma (cancrum oris or gangrenous stomatitis) in its official list of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This decision, which was recommended by the 17th meeting of the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group for Neglected Tropical Diseases (STAG-NTD), underscores WHO’s commitment to expanding health services to the world's most vulnerable populations.

Noma, a severe gangrenous disease of the mouth and face, primarily affects malnourished young children (between the ages of 2 and 6 years) in regions of extreme poverty. It starts as an inflammation of the gums, which, if not treated early, spreads quickly to destroy facial tissues and bones. It frequently leads to death, with survivors suffering severe disfigurement.

Accurate estimation of the number of noma cases is challenging due to the rapid progression of the disease and the associated stigma, which contributes to leaving many cases undiagnosed. Cases of noma are mostly found in sub-Saharan Africa, although cases have also been reported in the Americas and Asia.

3. Refugee And Migrant Health

Today, it is estimated that close to 1 in 8 people in the general population are migrants, totalling a whooping one billion migrants worldwide. These include 281 million international migrants and 82.4 million forcibly displaced people (48 million internally displaced, 26.4 million refugees, and 4.1 million asylum seekers).

Refugees and migrants remain among the most vulnerable members of society faced with discrimination; poverty, unhealthy working conditions; and inadequate access to health services.

Refugees and migrants often come from communities affected by war, conflict, or economic crisis, with vulnerabilities related to the condition of their journeys such as inadequate access to food and water, sanitation, and other basic services.

The WHO Health and Migration Programme (PHM) works with all countries to promote the human right to health and access to quality and culturally appropriate health services, with adequate social and financial protection.

Sources: 
https://www.who.int/news/item/15-12-2023-who-officially-recognizes-noma-as-a-neglected-tropical-disease

https://www.who.int/health-topics/refugee-and-migrant-health#tab=tab_2